What Does the Bible Say About Slander?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible clearly condemns slander, viewing it as harmful and contrary to Christian values. It’s seen as a form of false witness that can destroy reputations and relationships. The emphasis is on speaking truthfully and using words to build up, not tear down. The New Testament, especially in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, warns against the use of harmful words and urges believers to speak in ways that are kind and edifying. Slander is considered a serious sin because it violates the command to love one’s neighbor.

Curious about what the Bible says regarding slander? It’s not just about avoiding false statements, but about fostering truth, kindness, and integrity in our words. Let’s explore this topic more.

What Does the Bible Say About Slander?

Slander, according to the Bible, is more than just speaking untruths about others; it’s about the destructive power of words and the ethical use of our speech.

The Bible categorizes slander as a serious sin. It’s seen as a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness. Slander, by its nature, harms relationships, damages reputations, and sows discord. The Bible’s stance on this issue reflects a broader concern with the integrity and impact of our words.

The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament provide further insight. Jesus emphasized the power of words and cautioned against careless speech. He taught that what comes out of the mouth reflects what’s in the heart. This connection between heart and speech underlines the moral implications of slander.

The apostles continued this teaching. They urged early Christians to avoid slanderous talk, emphasizing that it was inconsistent with Christian living. The New Testament letters often encourage believers to speak in ways that are edifying and gracious, avoiding any form of malice or deceit.

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Moreover, the Bible’s view on slander includes a call to love and respect others. Slandering someone is fundamentally opposed to the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. It’s an act of unkindness and injustice.

Another aspect is the importance of truth. The Bible values truthfulness and sees it as foundational to righteous living. Slander, as a form of lying, is thus contrary to biblical ethics.

In summary, the Bible’s approach to slander is clear: it’s condemned as a harmful, destructive practice that goes against the principles of truth, love, and Christian integrity. Believers are encouraged to use their words to uplift and speak truth, reflecting the values of their faith.

Bible Verses About Slander

  1. Proverbs 10:18: “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” This verse directly calls out slander as foolish and morally wrong, linking it with deceit and hidden malice.
  2. James 4:11: “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.” This passage from James warns against speaking ill of others, highlighting the ethical and spiritual implications of such actions.
  3. Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Paul encourages positive and constructive speech, contrasting it with corrupt or slanderous words.
  4. Exodus 20:16: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” One of the Ten Commandments, this verse explicitly forbids lying about others, which includes slander.
  5. Psalm 101:5: “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.” This verse reflects God’s disapproval of slander and indicates serious consequences for those who engage in it, emphasizing God’s view on the integrity of speech.
  6. Proverbs 26:20: “Where there is no wood, the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” This proverb uses the analogy of a fire being fueled to describe how slander can perpetuate conflict and strife, underscoring the importance of refraining from spreading harmful words.
  7. Colossians 3:8: “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” In this letter, Paul lists slander (implied in ‘blasphemy’ and ‘filthy communication’) among the behaviors Christians should avoid, linking it to other negative traits.
  8. 1 Peter 2:1: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings.” Peter advises believers to rid themselves of all forms of evil speech, which includes slanderous talk, as part of living a holy life.
  9. Leviticus 19:16: “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.” This Old Testament law specifically warns against spreading rumors or slander among the community, viewing it as a serious offense.
  10. Proverbs 16:28: “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” This verse highlights the divisive effect of slander, showing how it can destroy even strong relationships and cause conflict.
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These verses collectively reveal the Bible’s stance on slander. It’s viewed as destructive, divisive, and contrary to the principles of Christian ethics. The Bible encourages believers to speak truthfully and constructively, using their words to build up rather than tear down. The emphasis is on maintaining integrity in speech and fostering loving, respectful relationships.